Planned: Sioux Falls, SD – State Theater (more)

See story for video

The Show Will Go On

By Shawn Neisteadt

Published: March 22, 2010, 10:00 PM

SIOUX FALLS, SD – To say a lot has changed since 1926 would be an understatement. That’s the year Marilyn Monroe was born, Henry Ford announced the 40-hour work week and President Calvin Coolidge was in office as Route 66 was created between Chicago and Los Angeles.

At the same time, an icon of downtown Sioux Falls would open its doors for the first time.

But a growing number of people are hoping the State Theater can help a new generation return to those days gone bye.

The State Theatre in downtown Sioux Falls was a social hub when its doors first opened in 1926. During the decades that followed, hundreds of people could be found lining the block, waiting for a show, featuring some of the biggest films of all time.

“Back in the day of the State Theatre, when it first opened, it was the gathering point for the community,” Rick Weiland said.

Today, the Sioux Falls State Theatre Company is working to restore the theatre as a main attraction. The theatre closed its doors in 1989. But since then, the exterior has been restored. Now crews are working on the inside, removing layers of paint, hoping to uncover the original colors. It’s hard work but those behind it say they want to return the building to its authentic state.

“I think that’s what crucial about it. That’s what unique about it. That the opportunity we have, to create a new experience,” project director Stacy Newcomb said.

Mar

23

2010

Planned: Sioux Falls, SD – State Theater (more)

See story for video

The Show Will Go On

By Shawn Neisteadt

Published: March 22, 2010, 10:00 PM

SIOUX FALLS, SD – To say a lot has changed since 1926 would be an understatement. That’s the year Marilyn Monroe was born, Henry Ford announced the 40-hour work week and President Calvin Coolidge was in office as Route 66 was created between Chicago and Los Angeles.

At the same time, an icon of downtown Sioux Falls would open its doors for the first time.

But a growing number of people are hoping the State Theater can help a new generation return to those days gone bye.

The State Theatre in downtown Sioux Falls was a social hub when its doors first opened in 1926. During the decades that followed, hundreds of people could be found lining the block, waiting for a show, featuring some of the biggest films of all time.

“Back in the day of the State Theatre, when it first opened, it was the gathering point for the community,” Rick Weiland said.

Today, the Sioux Falls State Theatre Company is working to restore the theatre as a main attraction. The theatre closed its doors in 1989. But since then, the exterior has been restored. Now crews are working on the inside, removing layers of paint, hoping to uncover the original colors. It’s hard work but those behind it say they want to return the building to its authentic state.

“I think that’s what crucial about it. That’s what unique about it. That the opportunity we have, to create a new experience,” project director Stacy Newcomb said.